Msgr. Arthur Tonne
The Right Reverend Monsignor Arthur Tonne, 98, former Catholic priest at Pilsen and longtime community advocate in Marion County, died May 20, 2003, at Heritage Park Care Center in Carbondale, Colo.
Born July 4, 1904, at Escanaba, Mich., he was the son of the late Phillip and Rose (Hess) Tonne.
After graduating from seminary and his ordination, he served churches in several Kansas communities, including Pilsen from the early 1950s until the late 1990s.
He was a Franciscan during his early years, serving that community before becoming a parish priest and joining the Wichita Diocese in 1953.
He was 49 when he moved to Pilsen and served the church for 49 more years
During his decades of serving St. John Nepomucene Church at Pilsen he became the spiritual leader for Marion County, and was a community activist for better mental health care and services for the elderly. He also was the author of more than 50 books, mostly homilies, and nine popular volumes "Jokes Priests Can Tell."
During the celebration marking his 65th jubilee as a priest, in 1997, the magnificent and awe inspiring sanctuary at Pilsen was filled to capacity honoring the beloved "Father."
More than 20 priests of the diocese, in addition to Bishop Eugene Gerber of Wichita, were present.
In his clear and resonant baritone voice, which filled the huge church, Msgr. Tonne spoke on the theme "Thank you God." His remarks were carefully considered and forcefully delivered. They echoed his message of giving thanks to God for letting him serve.
Upon retiring as a priest he constructed a new home and moved to Marion where he continued to be active in Holy Family Parish, in local organizations, and serving the people he loved.
As health failed he moved to St. Luke Living Center and eventually to Colorado where he would be closer to members of his family.
Survivors include a nephew, John Tonne of Minocqua, Wisc.; his longtime housekeeper Lela Siebert and her children; and a multitude of parishioners and friends.
Each year on his birthday, July 4, he would publish a message to friends on his birthday, in the form of a newspaper advertisement. This year would have marked his 99th birthday.
The Rosary was recited and a vigil service held Monday night at the church in Pilsen. Father Richard Stuchlik was Rosary leader.
Tuesday morning the magnificent church, lovingly and beautifully restored, was virtually filled to capacity by those who came to honor him. There were 40 priests, including two bishops, and a dozen nuns.
The Most Reverend Thomas Olmsted, Bishop of Wichita, officiated at the Mass of the Resurrection Tuesday morning.
John Reznicek Jr. and Kathleen Oborny were lectors.
Father Paul Oborny gave the homily. His remarks were delivered in much the same fashion as Monsignor Tonne used, appealing to the large audience by being interspersed with appropriate stories.
Music was by the church choir with Charlene Svitak as organist, Jeff Bina as cantor, and Corky Siebert as an organist.
Casket bearers were Bill Meyer, Dennis Klenda, Gregory Meysing, Martin Kroupa, Timothy Holub, and David Oborny.
Burial was in St. John Nepomucene Church Cemetery, alongside the marker for Father Emil Kapaun.
Memorial gifts are suggested to the Father Emil Kapaun Memorial Scholarship.
